<div>A family is changed forever when a loved one is diagnosed with a rare disease. In this episode, Mr Iftikhar Zia discusses his experience of raising a son with a rare disease, how his family became close-knit as a result, and the joys they have experienced in spite of chronic challenges.</div>

6: The Gene Story

There are more than 7,000 documented rare conditions in the world. While there is no known cure for some conditions, where there is a cure (or maintenance through medicines is possible), the cost of medication is exponentially high to bear. This podcast will focus on the status of rare conditions in India, which has been talked about very little in Indian society. It will be a one-of-its-kind attempt in India to document the gamut of challenges and achievements of people with rare conditions and will open a constructive dialogue on what can be done. This is important because an estimated 1 in 20 Indians are affected by a rare disease. The series will bring out the human face behind rare conditions – the patients, the families, caregivers, doctors, activists and geneticists working to improve life for people with rare conditions.